Retail display article and system

ABSTRACT

A method of constructing a retail display system includes creating a first display article including a support panel and hanging the first display article. Creating the first display article includes editing an original photograph of a clothing product for sale to appear similar to a mannequin wearing the clothing product for sale in an edited photograph. Hanging the first display article includes hanging the first display article in a display area using a mounting bracket secured to a back surface of the support panel. The method further includes positioning a retail good corresponding to the clothing product depicted in the photograph in proximity to the first display article. Retail display systems and methods of construction provide additional advantages.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/939,462, filed Nov. 13, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/958,142, filed Oct. 4, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No.7,296,372, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retail businesses typically use a wide variety of display systems andarticles to draw consumer attention to the products being sold. Thedisplay systems help the consumer envision how the product will lookwhen worn, used, assembled, etc. Conventional display systems oftenincorporate the product itself to help the consumer envision use or wearof the product. For example, in the clothing sector, clothing istypically displayed on a three-dimensional mannequin in order togenerally demonstrate the fit and cut of the clothing. Such displaysystems highlight particular products to possible consumers to increasethe probability that a particular consumer will purchase the product.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of constructinga retail display system including creating a first display articleincluding a support panel and hanging the first display article.Creating the first display article includes editing an originalphotograph of a clothing product for sale to appear similar to amannequin wearing the clothing product for sale in an edited photograph.Hanging the first display article includes hanging the first displayarticle in a display area using a mounting bracket secured to a backsurface of the support panel. The method further includes positioning aretail good corresponding to the clothing product depicted in thephotograph in proximity to the first display article. Retail displaysystems and methods of construction provide additional advantages.

Other features and advantages are also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to thefigures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of a retail display article,according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the retail display article of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a back view of the retail display article of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a process of constructing the retail displayarticle of FIGS. 1-3, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a step in the process ofconstructing the retail display article of FIG. 4, according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a product displayincluding the retail display article of FIG. 1, according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the product display of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a retail displayarticle in a retail environment, according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating one embodiment of a retail display,according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the retaildisplay article of FIG. 9 taken along the line 10-10.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the retail display of FIG. 10 takenalong the line 11-11.

FIG. 12 is a front view illustrating a spacer of the retail display ofFIG. 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the retail displayarticle of FIG. 9 taken along the line 10-10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of a two-dimensional retail display article 10, accordingto the present invention, is generally illustrated in the various viewsof FIGS. 1-3. Retail display article 10 provides a relativelyinexpensive and lightweight manner of depicting products, such asclothing, to a consumer. Display article 10 exhibits clothing productsin a manner illustrating overall fit of the product similar toconventional three-dimensional mannequins. However, display article 10is relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and sturdy as compared to theconventional three-dimensional mannequin. Moreover, a method ofconstructing retail display articles 10 provides for flexibility in thepresentation of the product to suit various design considerations and toalign with general principles of overall store aesthetics.

Retail display article 10 includes a back panel 12, and a photograph 14.Photograph 14 depicts one or more products or goods being sold by aretail or other commercial establishment. Photograph 14 is applied toback panel 12 to provide a rigid retail display article 10 for placementwithin the retail establishment. Accordingly, retail display article 10is prepared for display in a retail establishment to assist a consumerin locating a product in visualizing the product during use, and togenerally enhance display of the product for sale.

Back panel 12 is a generally rigid material for receiving photograph 14.In one embodiment, back panel 12 is formed of a two-dimensional materialsuch as foam core, paperboard, cardboard, plastic, etc. providingoverall rigidity to display article 10. Accordingly, back panel 12includes a front, generally planar surface 20 and a back surface 22opposite front surface 20. A thickness is defined between surfaces 20and 22 sufficient to provide overall rigidity of display article 10 todecrease folding or wilting of display article 10 when hung in a retailenvironment. In one embodiment, back panel 12 is a ¼ inch piece of foamcore.

Photograph 14 is two-dimensional and generally planar and, accordingly,defines a front surface 26 and a back surface 28 opposite front surface26. Photograph 14 depicts a subject 30 including a product 32 offeredfor sale by the retail establishment. With this in mind, photograph 14is an example of means for depicting a product. In one embodiment,subject 30 includes a model 34 wearing or holding product 32. Morespecifically, in one embodiment, in which product 32 is clothing andmodel 34 is wearing clothing 32, photograph 14 is digitally edited todecrease the appearance of distractions that take away from product 32.In particular, model 34 includes skin or flesh 36 exposed at variousspots around clothing 32. In one embodiment, skin 36 is digitallyaltered to present a more neutralized and smooth appearance to imitatethe general appearance of a conventional three-dimensional mannequin, aswill be described in greater detail below.

Back surface 28 of edited photograph 14 is secured to front surface 20of back panel 12. In one embodiment, photograph 14 is mounted to backpanel 12 with an adhesive, tape, or other securing product. Accordingly,back panel 12 is an example of means for strengthening photograph 14.Photograph 14 and back panel 12 are simultaneously cut into the desiredend shape of display article 10. In one example, photograph 14 and backpanel 12 are cut about a perimeter 38 of subject 30.

A mounting bracket or device 40 is secured to back surface 22 of backpanel 12. Mounting bracket 40 is die-cut from cardboard, foam core, orother two-dimensional and generally rigid material. In one embodiment,mounting bracket 40 is die-cut from a 24 point chip board material.Mounting bracket 40 defines a first, generally planar surface 42 and asecond surface 44 opposite first surface 42. Mounting bracket 40 definesa mounting portion 46 and a hanger interface portion 48 extending frommounting portion 46.

In one embodiment, mounting portion 46 is generally rectangular andconfigured to be secured directly to back surface 22 of back panel 12.Hanger interface portion 48 defines two protrusions or humps 50 and 52laterally spaced from each other and each extending from mountingportion 46 to generally define mounting bracket 40 as an M-shapedbracket. In one embodiment, each protrusion 50 and 52 extends frommounting portion 46 in a generally perpendicular and upward manner.Apertures 54 and 56 are, respectively, defined near the top of eachprotrusion 50 and 52, i.e. opposite mounting portion 46.

In one embodiment, mounting bracket 40 includes a perforated line ordemarcation 58 extending laterally on mounting bracket 40 betweenmounting portion 46 and hanger interface portion 48. Accordingly,mounting bracket 40 is mounted to back panel 12 by securing secondsurface 44 of mounting tab 46 to back surface 22 of back panel 12. Inone embodiment, mounting bracket 40 is secured to back panel 12 viadouble stick tape or other adhesive capable of securing mounting bracket40 to back panel 12. Hanger interface portion 48 with protrusions 50 and52 is able to bend or slightly rotate about perforated line 58 to alterthe otherwise generally planar cross-section of mounting bracket 40.

One embodiment of a process of constructing retail display article 10,according to the present invention, is generally illustrated at 70 inFIG. 4. At 72, photograph 14 is shot or captured to depict subject 30,which as described above, includes product 32 being offered for sale. Inone example in which photograph 14 includes model 34 wearing clothingproduct 32 offered for sale, photograph 14 is shot or captured during aphotograph session capturing model 34 and clothing product 32 for use ina catalog or online catalog display relating to the retailestablishment. During shooting of photograph 14 at 72, model 34preferably poses in multiple mannequin-like poses selected to enhancedisplay clothing product 32 one of which will be selected for end-use aspart of display article 10.

At 74, photograph 14 is digitally edited to draw attention to clothingproduct 32 or to at least to reduce characteristics of photograph 14that distract from clothing product 32. More specifically, in oneembodiment, photograph 14 is altered such that the general appearance ofaltered model 34 imitates the general appearance of a mannequin. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 5, in one embodiment, editing photograph74 includes isolating flesh components at 76. Isolating flesh componentsincludes digitally editing photograph 14 to select and isolate portionsof subject 30 in which flesh or skin 36 of model 34 is showing, i.e.flesh 36 is not covered by clothing 32.

Following isolation of the flesh components, then at 78 the color of theisolated flesh components is altered. In one embodiment, fleshcomponents are altered by selecting a neutral color, such as white,beige, or black to serve as the flesh color. By adjusting the color ofthe flesh to be white, beige, or black, the flesh 36 of model 34 appearssimilar to a three-dimensional modern mannequin. In other embodiments,flesh 36 is digitally altered to be any solid color or pattern designedto align with an overall aesthetic plan of the retail establishment.

At 80, a digital filter is applied to the flesh components. The digitalfilter allows imperfections in flesh 36 of model 34, such as age spots,hair, etc., to be removed from or have their severity decreased on flesh36 to provide a more smooth and overall consistent complexion to theflesh components. In one embodiment, at least some of the moles, excesswrinkles, skin folds, and hair is removed from model 34. The degree towhich the digital filter is applied to photograph 14 is subjective andto be determined by the designer based upon the overall desired effectof display article 10. In particular, although in one embodiment, allhair and body imperfections or individualized demarcations may beremoved from flesh 36 of model 34, in other embodiments, a lesserpercentage of the imperfections, demarcations, hair, etc. are removedfrom model 34 in order to continue to provide a three-dimensional lookto model 34. In one embodiment about 25-50% of skin creases appearing inthe flesh components are removed.

At 82, a head of model 34 is replaced with a neck cap 84. The head ofmodel 34 is first deleted; more particularly, the head and at least aportion of a neck 86 of model 34 are deleted. A neck cap 84 is placed ontop of the neck in place of the deleted head and neck portion. With thisin mind, neck cap 84 simply caps off or tops a top or mid portion ofmodel neck 86 to provide a clean line similar to that of a conventionalmannequin without a head. Preferably, neck cap 84 is designed to furthera three-dimensional visual illusion. By removing the head of model 34 inphotograph 14, model 34 is less defined as an individual and, thereby,is less distracting to customers to maintain the focus of photograph 14on clothing 32 being offered for sale.

At 88, other appendages or portions of model 34 that are not desired tobe included in display article 10 are digitally deleted. In particular,as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the lower portion of legs 90of model 34 are removed. In other instances, legs and arms, arms,portions of the torso, or other portions of body 92 can be removed asdesired. Notably, the steps of editing photograph 74 as illustrated inFIG. 5 represent merely one example of order and inclusion. In oneembodiment, only one of the editing photographs steps 76-82 and 88 areperformed on photograph 14. A predominant number of editing steps takingplace on photograph 14 are applied to flesh 36 or other components ofsubject 30 not including clothing or product 32. Accordingly, clothingor product 32 is shown in a relatively realistic manner similar to as itwould appear during actual use or wear by a consumer. With this in mind,each step 76, 78, 80, 82 performed while maintaining a sufficientportion of shading of subject 30 that indicates dimension and/ormaintaining clothing or product 32 with a dimensional appearance similarto that originally photographed is an example means for providingdisplay article 10 with a three-dimensional appearance. Moreover,editing photograph 14 at each of steps 76, 78, 80, 82, and 88 createsfeatures of subject 30 to imitate the general appearance of a mannequindisplaying clothing or product 32.

Referring again to FIG. 4, once photograph 14 has been edited to adegree satisfying the designer of display article 10, then at 100 editedphotograph 14 is printed on a print media, such as paper, cardstock,velum, transparency, etc. In a preferred embodiment, photograph 14 isprinted on lithograph paper. At 102, printed photograph 14 is mounted toback panel 12. More specifically, back surface 28 of photograph 14 issecured to front surface 20 of back panel 12. In one embodiment,photograph 14 is mounted to back panel 12 via adhesive, tape, glue, orother securing product. Preferably, the securing product used to securephotograph 14 to back panel 12 secures photograph 14 in a smooth andflat manner on back panel 12.

At 104, photograph 14 and back panel 12 are simultaneously cut aboutperimeter 38 of subject 30. In particular, back panel 12 and photograph14 are cut about subject perimeter 38 extending about model 34 andclothing 32 to remove any unnecessary or undesired background from thephotograph 14. Photograph 14 and back panel 12 are cut about the outerperimeter of model 34 and clothing product 32. Cutting about subjectperimeter 38 includes cutting out interior background portions fromphotograph 14, such as background portions framed between a bent arm andmodel torso as illustrated in FIG. 1. In one example, back panel 12 andphotograph 14 are cut in a die cut process.

In one embodiment, die cutting of photograph 14 and back panel 12includes creating a pillowed edge at 106. More specifically, a pillowededge is created about subject perimeter 38 by slightly flattening androlling the front edges of the display article 10, including the frontedges of back panel 12 and photograph 14, towards back surface 22 ofback panel 12. Accordingly, the pillowed edge presents the front edgesof display article 10 transitioning backwards in a relatively smoothmanner. By creating the rolled or pillowed edge about perimeter 38 ofdisplay article 10, the three-dimensional appearance of display article10 is further enhanced and a smooth edge is presented.

At 108, mounting bracket 40 is applied to display article 10. Asdescribed briefly above, mounting portion 46 of mounting bracket 40 issecured to back surface 22 of back panel 12 with double-stick tape orother adhesive. Positioning of mounting bracket 40 upon back surface 22of back panel 12 is determined based on design configurations and is atleast partially dependent upon the position in which display article 10will be orientated during display and hanging within the retailestablishment. For example, the orientation of mounting bracket 40 withrespect to photograph 14 is dependent upon whether or not the displayarticle 10 will be oriented to show photograph 14 in a reclined orlay-down position versus a stand-up or sitting position. In addition,mounting bracket 40 may be positioned higher or lower on display article10 such that upon hanging within the retail establishment, the displayarticle 10 will be hung at a desired elevation level. Once mountingportion 46 is secured to back surface 22 of back panel 12, hangerinterface portion 48 can be rotated or bent about perforated line 58 tospace hanger interface portion 48 from back surface 22 of back panel 12.

With this in mind, at 110, display article 10 is hung or placed withinthe retail establishment. Referring to the front view of FIG. 6 andrelated side view of FIG. 7, display article 10 is hung with a hanger112. In one embodiment, hanger 112 includes a first member 114 and asecond member 116. Each of first member 114 and second member 116defines an elongated portion 118, a bottom hook 120, and top hook 122.Elongated portion 118 includes a first or bottom end 124 and a second ortop end 126 opposite first end 124.

Bottom hook 120 is coupled to first end 124 and top hook 122 is coupledto second end 126 of elongated portion 118. Each hook 120 and 122 curvesfrom or extends from elongated portion 118 in similar directions to formfirst member 114 or second member 116 as a C-shaped member.Alternatively, each hook 120 and 122 curves from or extends fromelongated portion 118 in opposite directions to form first and secondmembers 114 and 116 as S-shaped or inverted S-shaped members. In oneembodiment, elongated portion 118 is formed of steel, such as apowder-coated steel rod. Hooks 120 and 122 are integrally formed withelongated portion 118. Alternatively, at least one of hooks 120 and 122is formed of acrylic, such as clear acrylic, coupled to elongated member118. First and second members 114 and 116 hang independently from oneanother.

In order to more easily couple hanger 112 to display article 10, hangerinterface portion 48 of mounting bracket 40 is rotated or bent aboutperforated line 58 to space protrusions 50 and 52 from back surface 22of back panel 12. Bottom hook 120 of first member 114 is placed throughaperture 54 of mounting bracket 40 to receive first protrusion 50.Similarly, bottom hook 120 of second member 116 is placed throughaperture 56 to receive second protrusion 52 of mounting bracket 40. Withthis in mind, hanger 112 is selectively coupled with display article 10.

Accordingly, by lifting hanger 112, display article 10 is similarlylifted and maneuvered. In one embodiment, to hang display article 10,hanger 112 is positioned to interface with one of a plurality of supportrods 130, 132, 134, and 136 extending horizontally above a display area.More specifically, top hooks 122 of first member 114 and second member116 are each placed around and receive one of the support rods, in thiscase, support rod 130. Support rods 130, 132, 134, and 136 are oftenalready mounted within the retail establishment for receipt of variousdisplays including display article 10. For instance, one examplearrangement of support rods is described in U.S. Design Pat. No.D457,919 to Whittier et al., which is hereby incorporated herein byreference. In one embodiment, support rods 130, 132, 134, and 136 extendgenerally parallel to one another. Once hanger 112 is received bysupport rod 130, display article 10 is hung from support rod 130 in aposition for display. Accordingly, hanger 112 alone or with mountingbracket 40 are example means for collectively hanging back panel 12 andphotograph 14.

In one embodiment, hanging retail display 10 includes hanging a seconddisplay article 140, which is similar to display article 10 describedabove, to define an overall product display 142 pleasing to the eye ofthe consumer. In one embodiment, second display article 140 is hungadjacent to display article 10. Second display article 140 is hung onsupport rod 132 positioned slightly in front of or, as in this case,behind horizontal support rod 130 on which display article 10 is hung.Accordingly, second display article 140 is positioned slightly behindfirst display article 10. By positioning display articles 10 and 140 ontwo different but parallel support rods 130 and 132 and by horizontallyoverlapping display articles 10 and 140, the three-dimensional illusionof overall product display 142 is further enhanced.

Hanging multiple display articles 10 and 140 includes verticallypositioning each of a plurality of display articles 10 and 140 withrespect to one another to present a pleasing appearance to the consumer.In one embodiment, at least one body part common in each of models 34depicted in display articles 10 and 140 are aligned. More specifically,in one embodiment, at least one of shoulders, neck, waist, knees, feet,etc. are aligned on display article 10 and display article 140 whendisplay articles 10 and 140 are hung as part of collective productdisplay 142. Alternatively, display articles 10 and 140 areintentionally misaligned to achieve a desired aesthetic effect. In oneembodiment, the desired alignment of display articles 10 and 140 isachieved by altering the positioning of the respective mounting bracket40 on back panel 12 of each of display articles 10 and 140. In thisembodiment, different articles 10 and 140 can be hung at differingelevations while using hangers 112 all having members 114 and 116 withidentical lengths.

For example, consider hanging display articles 10 and 140 so an elbow ofmodel 34 of display article 10 aligns with shoulders of model 34 ofdisplay article 140. To achieve such an alignment, a first mountingbracket 40 is positioned higher on display article 10 relative to theposition of a second mounting bracket 40 on display article 140.Accordingly, even when hanger members 114 and 116 used for displayarticles 10 and 140 all have the same length, each display article 10and 140 can be hung at a different elevation based upon the placement ofthe respective mounting bracket 40. In other embodiments, the length ofhanger members 14 and 16 varies.

Hanging display articles at 110 further includes positioning displayarticles 10 within the retail establishment relatively near or inproximate position to the actual goods 144 or 146 being sold to theconsumer. For example, in one embodiment in which the actual goods 144and 146 are each a different shirt available for purchase by consumers,product 32 depicted by photograph 14 of each display article 10 and 140is shirts 144 and 146, respectively. With this in mind, display articles10 and 140 are positioned relatively near to or in proximity with thedisplay of actual goods 144 and 146. Accordingly, a consumer drawn to aparticular area due to display articles 10 and 140 can easily find andaccess the actual corresponding shirts 144 and 146 for purchase.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, an alternate embodiment of a retail displayarticle 160 is similar in all respects to retail display article 10described above except for those differences specifically enumeratedherein. In particular, retail display article 160 not only depicts asubject 162, which includes a model 164 and a product 166 similar tomodel 34 and product 32, but also includes fixtures 168. Morespecifically, retail display article 160 includes fixtures 168 such as ahorizontal shelf 170 and at least one rack 172. In one embodiment, afirst subject 162 including a clothing product 166 is positioned to lay,sit or stand upon fixture shelf 170. In addition, each of the pluralityof racks 172 is shown to sit upon fixture shelf 170 to illustrate abust-like representation 176 or 178 of products 174 similar to product166.

Each bust 176 or 178 is formed by photography as described with respectto photograph 14. However, the hands and legs of the respective model164 are deleted when the photo is edited at 74. Accordingly, instead ofappearing similar to a full three-dimensional mannequin, each of busts176 and 178 appears as a three-dimensional mannequin bust placed uponone of racks 172. In construction, models to be altered to becomesubject 164, bust 176, or bust 178 are photographed either together orseparately and placed for use in single display article 160 withdigitally editing. Accordingly, another aesthetically pleasing method ofdisplay of product representations can be formed by retail displayarticle 160.

Different combinations of fixtures 168, models 34 or 164, and products32, 166, and 174 can be grouped in any particular collection to define adifferent retail display article. Depending upon the size of the retaildisplay article 160, retail display article 160 includes one or moremounting brackets 40 and requires one or more hangers 112. Inparticular, with respect to retail display article 160, a plurality ofmounting brackets (not shown) each similar to mounting bracket 40 and aplurality of hangers 180 each similar to hanger 112 described above,hang retail display article 160.

Also as illustrated in FIG. 8, in one embodiment, a retail displayarticle, such as retail display article 160 may be hung in front of orbeside graphical or textual indicia 182 further identifying the productfor sale. Graphical or textual indicia 182 may be related to atrademark, brand name, product identifier, slogan, product type or othertextual or graphical reference further drawing consumer attention to aproduct and/or enticing a consumer to purchase the related productdisplayed.

Mannequin-like display articles according the present invention presentan economical yet aesthetically pleasing way to display productrepresentations allowing a consumer to further visualize the appearanceof the product during use or wear. By presenting the product in a visualmanner imitating a three-dimensional display, the product can moreaccurately be represented to the consumer. In addition, by providing aneconomical way of producing the retail display articles, the retaildisplay articles can easily be removed and replaced without the retailestablishment incurring burdensome costs. Furthermore, due to thelightweight nature of the display articles, the display articles areeasily hung or mounted for display in a variety of positions otherwiserelatively cumbersome to produce with conventional mannequins or displayfixtures. Therefore, the display articles described herein provide anaesthetically pleasing display further enhancing a consumer's shoppingexperience within the retail establishment.

Yet another embodiment of a retail display system 200 is illustrated inFIGS. 9-13. Retail display 200 includes a plurality of two-dimensionaldisplay panels or articles, such as 204, 206, and 208, hung in front ofa wall 202 of the retail establishment. Each panel 204, 206, and 208 isformed by a back panel 210 and a photograph or other representation 212mounted onto back panel 210. In one embodiment, back panel 210 is formedof any material similar to back panel 12 of retail display article 10.

Photograph or representation 212 includes a product offered for sale, orother graphical or textural indicia relating to the sale of product atthe retail establishment. For example, retail display article 204illustrated in FIG. 9 includes photograph 212 of a model 214 wearing aproduct 216, in this case, sunglasses, and a background 218 behind model214. Photograph 212 can be a photograph directly captured during a photosession. Alternatively, photo 212 is digitally edited and altered toarrive at the desired visual effect. In one embodiment, model 214 andproduct 216 are digitally cut from their original photograph backgroundand placed upon a digitally created, altered, or enhanced background218.

Retail display article 206 displays a product 220 offered for sale bythe retail establishment as well as indicia 222 and a background 224. Inone embodiment, product 220 is identical to or related to product 216illustrated in retail display article 204. Indicia 222 may be graphicalor textural and relates to one of a trademark, brand name, productidentifier, slogan, product type, or other textural or graphicalreference further drawing consumer attention to retail display system200. Background 224 may be a background photographed during a photosession or a background added during digital enhancement or editing ofphotograph 212 of panel 206. In one embodiment, both background 224 andindicia 222 are added during the digital enhancement and editingprocess.

The attributes of separate retail display articles 204, 206, and 208 canbe interchangeably intertwined or intermixed to define the imagesdisplayed in a cohesive manner corresponding with an overall scheme orlook for retail display system 200. In one embodiment, in order to linkthe look of retail display articles 204, 206, and 208 together, therespective backgrounds 218, 224, and 226 are similar or part of acollective pattern to collectively link the images displayed by theretail display articles 204, 206, and 208.

Each retail display article 204, 206, and 208 includes a pair ofmounting brackets 230 mounted to back panel 210 opposite photograph 212.Mounting brackets 230 are similar to mounting brackets 40 describedabove, however, in one embodiment, mounting brackets 230 include asingle protrusion or hump 231 extending from a mounting portion 46. Eachmounting portion 46 again includes an aperture for receiving a hangermember 232. In one embodiment, each hanger member 232 is similar tofirst and second members 114 and 116 of hanger 112 described above.Accordingly, each retail display article 204, 206, and 208 is hung upona support rod 130, 132, 134, or 136 by a hanger 234 including two hangermembers 232. In particular, in one embodiment, retail display article204 is hung by a hanger 234 from support rod 134 and retail displayarticle 206 is hung by a hanger 234 from support rod 136 which ispositioned between support rod 134 and retail establishment wall 202.Accordingly, retail display articles 204 and 206 are not longitudinallyaligned with one another but rather extend parallel with one another.Accordingly, retail display articles 204, 206, and 208 are hung in athree-dimensional fashion.

In order to further the three-dimensional appearance of retail displaysystem 200, triangle spacers 240 are integrated within system 200. Asillustrated in FIG. 12, each triangular spacer 240 is formed from atwo-dimensional piece of material, such as foam core, paperboard,cardboard, plastic, etc. with sufficient overall rigidity to facilitatespacing of a retail display article 204, 206, or 208 from retailestablishment wall 202. More specifically, triangular spacer 240 isdie-cut from the two-dimensional material. In a specific embodiment,triangular spacer 240 includes a first panel 242, a second panel 244,and third panel 246. Second panel 244 extends from first panel 242towards second panel 246. Third panel 246 extends from second panel 244opposite first panel 242.

First panel 242 is differentiated from second panel 244 by a line ofperforation or demarcation 248 extending there between. Similarly, aperforated line or line of demarcation 250 extends between second panel244 and third panel 246. At least one tab 252 extends from third panel246 opposite the extension of second panel 244. A flange 254 extendsalong an entire length of first panel 242 opposite second panel 244.Flange 254 is separated from first panel 242 by a line of demarcation orperforation 256. At least one slot 258 is formed along perforated line256 and is sized to receive the at least one tab 252. Accordingly, uponfolding triangular spacer 240 along each of the perforated lines 248,250, and 256 and placing each of the at least on tabs 252 within therespective at least one slot 258, the once two-dimensional triangularspacer 240 becomes a three-dimensional triangular pacer 240. With thisin mind, although three-dimensional during use, triangular spacer 240can be stored and shipped in a flat manner before use or unfolded to bestored and shipped in a flat manner after use.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, triangular spacer 240 is coupled with retaildisplay article 204. In particular, a first triangular spacer 240 iscoupled with a left end 260 of retail display article 204 by couplingthird panel 246 of triangular spacer 240 to back panel 210 oppositephotograph 212. In one embodiment, third panel 246 of triangular spacer240 is coupled with back panel 210 with double-stick adhesive tape orother adhesive known in the art. A second triangular spacer 240 iscoupled with the right end 262 of retail display article 204 in asimilar but opposing manner. With this in mind, first panel 242 ofsecond triangular spacer 240 is coupled with back panel 210 near rightend 262 of retail display article 204. Accordingly, second panel 244 ofthe respective triangular spacer 240 is visible when viewed from a sideof retail display article 204. In one embodiment, second panel 244 oftriangular spacer 240 includes a photograph or printing of a background264 similar to or continuing a similar pattern as shown by backgrounds218, 224, and 226 of retail display articles 204, 206, and 208.Accordingly, when viewed from multiple angles, retail display system 200presents a continuous and cohesive background pattern.

In one embodiment, retail display articles, such as retail displayarticle 206 hung on support rod 136 closest to retail establishment wall202, do not include a triangular spacer 240. In other embodiments inwhich retail display articles are hung from rods 130 or 132, which arefurther away from retail establishment wall 202, similar but largertriangular spacers 240 are incorporated.

In a preferred embodiment, each triangular spacer 240 is sized such thattriangular spacer 240 extends from retail display article 204 tointerface with a front surface 270 of retail establishment wall 202.More specifically, second panel 244 of triangular spacer 240 has a widthbetween first panel 242 and third panel 246 equal to the distancebetween back panel 210 of retail display article 212 and front surface270 of retail establishment wall 202. In this manner, an illusion ispresented to consumers and passersby that retail display article 204actually extends from wall 202. In one embodiment in which alternatingretail display articles 204 and 210 are hung from a support wall rod 134and incorporate triangular spacers 240 sandwich retail display articlessuch as 206, collective display system 200 presents display articles204, 206, and 208 as a continuous three-dimensional display.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative alignment of retail display articles204, 206, and 208 generally at 280. In this embodiment, retail displaypanels 204 and 206 are hung off the same horizontal support rod 134, andretail display article 208 is hung from support rod 136 positionedbetween support rod 134 and retail establishment wall 202. In thisembodiment, triangular spacers 240 are only positioned near a left end282 of retail display article 204 and a right end 284 of retail displayarticle 206 to continue the three-dimensional illusion. In oneembodiment, retail display article 204 is secured to retail displayarticle 206 at their intersection with adhesive or double-sided adhesivetape. Accordingly, retail display articles 204 and 206 are hung with asimilar extension from retail establishment wall 202 and, in someembodiments, appear to consumers or passersby as a collective andcohesive retail display.

In one embodiment, triangular spacers 240 are not included in theinterior portions of retail display articles 204 and 206 since any suchtriangular spacers would not be visible to consumers or passersby. Moregenerally stated, in one embodiment, triangular spacers 240 arepositioned to enhance the three-dimensional illusion to consumers orpassersby, and therefore are only placed where the consumers orpassersby can view the triangular spacers at a given angle.

In one embodiment, a feature panel 290, illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 13with dashed lines, is included to further integrate the appearance ofretail display articles 204 and 206. Featured panel 290 is formedsimilar to retail display articles 204, 206, and 208 but on a smallerscale. As such, feature panel 290 includes a back panel 292 and aphotograph or representation 294 mounted to back panel 292. Featurepanel 290, more particularly, photograph 294, includes graphical and/ortextural indicia 296 designed to add to the collective imagery ofdisplay system 200. Feature panel 290 is secured to retail displayarticles 204 and 206, more particularly, to photograph 212 of displayarticles 204 and 206, with double stick tape or other adhesive to securefeature panel to the remainder of display system 200. In otherembodiments, multiple feature pattern panels, such as feature panel 290,are included in multiple locations of display system 200.

Display systems according to embodiments of the present inventionprovide for inexpensive and relatively lightweight solutions todisplaying products in use in a stylistic or realistic manner. Inparticular, display systems according to embodiments of the presentinvention provide an illusion or reality of three-dimensional displayutilizing originally two-dimensional materials. By utilizing materialsthat can be broken down into two-dimensional forms, the components ofthe display systems according to embodiments of the present inventionare easily shipped to or stored by the retail establishments using thedisplay systems.

In addition, the various components the retail display systems describedabove can be interchangeably arranged to provide numerous possiblecombinations of components to create overall collective displays. Forexample, in one embodiment, retail display articles 10 and/or 140 can beincorporated with display system 200 to provide yet another type ofdisplay system. In one embodiment, a retail display article 10 or 140 ispositioned in front of retail panel 206 illustrated in FIG. 10. Withthis in mind, a plethora of display systems can be devised with thecomponents described in the present application.

Although the invention has been described with respect to particularembodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only andshould not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternativesand changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Forexample, although display articles 10, 140, 160, 204, 206, and 208 andfeature panel 290 are described as photographs mounted on back panels,in other embodiments, the photographs and are alternately printeddirectly to the back panels. In addition, the various attributes ofdisplay articles 10, 140, 160, 204, 206, and 208 can be interchangeablyused to form another display article not specifically described herein.Furthermore, other components that can possibly be incorporated intodisplay articles will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.Additional modifications and changes will further be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art.

1. A method of constructing a retail display system, comprising:creating a first display article including a support panel, whereincreating the first display article includes editing an originalphotograph of a clothing product for sale to appear similar to amannequin wearing the clothing product for sale in an edited photograph;hanging the first display article in a retail display area using amounting bracket secured to a back surface of the support panel; andpositioning a retail good corresponding to the clothing product in theedited photograph in proximity to the first display article.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the mounting bracket includes a mountingportion secured to the support panel and an interface portion having afirst protrusion and a second protrusion bent away from the supportpanel, and the hanging the first display article includes using thefirst protrusion and the second protrusion to hang the first displayarticle.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: suspending ahanger from a supporting structure; and coupling an end of the hangeropposite the supporting structure to the mounting bracket via at leastone of the first protrusion and the second protrusion such that thefirst display article is suspended from the supporting structure via thehanger.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: creating a seconddisplay article by editing a photograph of an other clothing product forsale to appear similar to another mannequin wearing the other clothingproduct for sale; and hanging the second display article in front of thefirst display article such that the first display article and the seconddisplay article are horizontally overlapping and at different elevationsrelative to each other.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein: the originalphotograph includes a person wearing the clothing product, and theediting the original photograph includes removing visible portions ofthe person.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein: the original photographincludes a person wearing the clothing product, and the editing theoriginal photograph includes altering at least one visible portion ofthe person to imitate a general appearance of the mannequin.
 7. Themethod of claim 6, wherein: the person includes skin, and the alteringat least one visible portion of the person includes changing the skin toa solid color.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the altering at leastone visible portion of the person includes replacing a head of theperson with a neck cap.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the alteringat least one visible portion of the person includes deleting a visibleappendage of the person.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the creatingthe first display article includes cutting the support panel about anouter perimeter of the clothing product depicted in the editedphotograph to define a cut edge.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein thecreating the first display article includes rolling the cut edge towardthe back surface of the support panel to create a pillowed perimeteredge of the first display article.
 12. The method of claim 1, whereinthe creating the first display article includes taking the originalphotograph of a person wearing the clothing product prior to editing theoriginal photograph.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the creatingthe first display article further includes: printing the editedphotograph on a print media, and securing the print media to the supportpanel to form the first display article.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the creating the first display article includes cutting theprint media and the support panel so the edited photograph printed onthe print media and the support panel have substantially similar,non-linear outer perimeters.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein thecreating the first display article includes simultaneously cutting thesupport panel and the edited photograph to define the support panel andthe edited photograph with identical outer perimeters.
 16. The method ofclaim 15, wherein cutting the support panel and the edited photographdefines the outer perimeter of the edited photograph to border at leasta portion of the clothing product in the edited photograph.
 17. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the creating the first display articleincludes cutting the support panel and the edited photograph to eachhave an outer perimeter similarly sized and similarly shaped as theouter perimeter of the other of the support panel and the editedphotograph, and the outer perimeter of the edited photograph borders atleast a portion of the clothing product depicted in the editedphotograph.
 18. A method of constructing a retail display system,comprising: taking a photograph of a model wearing a clothing product tobe offered for retail sale; editing an appearance of the model in thephotograph to appear similar to a mannequin wearing the clothing productin a resultant edited photograph; printing the resultant editedphotograph; coupling the resultant edited photograph to a front surfaceof a rigid panel to form a display article; and simultaneously cuttingthe resultant edited photograph and the rigid panel to have a commonouter perimeter.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: hangingthe display article in a retail display area using a mounting bracketsecured to a back surface of the rigid panel; and positioning a retailgood corresponding to the clothing product depicted in the resultantedited photograph in proximity to the display article.
 20. A method ofconstructing a retail display system, comprising: creating a firstdisplay article including: taking a photograph of a person wearing aclothing product to be offered for retail sale, editing an appearance ofthe person in the photograph to appear similar to a mannequin wearingthe clothing product in a resultant edited photograph, printing theresultant edited photograph, coupling the resultant edited photograph toa front surface of a support panel to form a display article, andsimultaneously cutting the resultant edited photograph and the supportpanel to have a common outer perimeter; hanging the first displayarticle in a retail display area using a mounting bracket secured to aback surface of the support panel; and positioning a retail goodcorresponding to the clothing product depicted in the photograph inproximity to the first display article.